Milan's futuristic heart — skyscrapers, a raised fountain and a buzzing aperitivo scene.
IGBy Ivanka García Mancebo · Civitatis travel specialist
Piazza Gae Aulenti is the epicentre of Milan's most modern neighbourhood, the Porta Nuova district. Opened in 2012 and named after the celebrated Italian architect, the raised circular square is ringed by some of the most striking contemporary buildings in Italy — including the country's tallest skyscraper.
Quick answer
What are the opening hours of Piazza Gae Aulenti?
It's an open public square, accessible 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The surrounding shops, bars and restaurants keep their own opening hours.
The modern skyline of Piazza Gae Aulenti
2012
Opened
Free
Entry
231 m
Unicredit Tower
30–60 min
Time needed
The square & the district
Built above street level over a transport hub, the piazza is a pedestrian stage for Milan's 21st-century skyline. A shallow reflecting fountain, water features and public art make it a favourite meeting point, especially at dusk.
It anchors Porta Nuova, the gleaming business district that transformed derelict rail yards into one of Europe's most photographed urban regeneration projects.
The most impressive buildings
The architecture is the reason to come — best seen looking up.
Italy's tallest
Unicredit Tower
At 231 m (spire included), César Pelli's tower is the tallest building in Italy and the symbol of the district.
Vertical Forest
Bosco Verticale
Stefano Boeri's award-winning residential towers, clad in over 2,000 trees and plants — among Milan's most photographed sights.
The stage
The raised piazza
A circular pedestrian square with a reflecting pool, LED art and sweeping views up to the towers.
After dark
Corso Como & nightlife
Alongside Navigli, this is one of Milan's best areas for aperitivo, dining and late bars.
Not to be missed
Piazza Gae Aulenti has become one of the top attractions in Milan. For one of the best panoramic views of the city, head up the Unicredit Tower that rises over the square.
It's also worth knowing that, along with the Navigli, this is one of the best areas for a night out — full of clubs, restaurants and trendy bars.
Visiting tips
Come at dusk — the towers light up and the aperitivo scene begins.
Walk over to the Bosco Verticale and along Corso Como for the full district.
It's a free public space, lively but safe well into the evening.
Great for photography — reflections in the fountain frame the skyline.
See modern Milan
City tours & Milan activities
Explore contemporary Milan and its icons on a guided walk.
It's an open public square, accessible 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The surrounding shops, bars and restaurants keep their own opening hours.
The centrepiece of Milan's modern Porta Nuova district, opened in 2012. It is surrounded by striking contemporary buildings including the Unicredit Tower (Italy's tallest at 231 m) and the Bosco Verticale.
Yes — it is a public square, free to visit and open 24 hours a day. Individual shops, restaurants and bars have their own hours.
The Vertical Forest — a pair of residential towers near the square covered by over 2,000 species of plants and trees. Completed in 2014 and designed by Stefano Boeri, it has won multiple international architecture awards.
Yes — along with Navigli, it is one of the best areas in Milan for going out, especially during the aperitivo hour (6–9pm), with many bars and restaurants open late.
By metro: Garibaldi FS (M2 and M5), with direct access to the square. By tram: Stazione Garibaldi (lines 10 and 33).
